Keto Turkey Meatloaf with Cauliflower Mash
A comforting, low-carb twist on the classic meatloaf dinner.
KEY INFO
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 60-75 minutes
- Total Time: 90-105 minutes
- Servings: 6-8
- Calories: 385 per serving
- Fat: 24g
- Protein: 42g
- Net Carbs: 4g
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Dietary Tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet or loaf pan (9×5 inch)
- Food processor or blender
- Large pot
- Colander
- Meat thermometer (recommended)
- Aluminum foil
INGREDIENTS
For the Meatloaf:
- 2 pounds (907g) ground turkey
- ½ cup (48g) almond flour [or pork panko]
- ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup (80g) diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (rosemary, parsley, basil)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup (60ml) sugar-free ketchup
For the Cauliflower Mash:
- 1 large head cauliflower (about 2 pounds/907g)
- ¼ cup (60ml) heavy cream
- 2 ounces (56g) cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons (28g) butter
- ¼ cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
METHOD
Meatloaf:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
- In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, almond flour, Parmesan, eggs, onion, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper
- Mix gently with your hands until just combined – don’t overmix
- Shape mixture into a loaf on baking sheet or in loaf pan
- Spread sugar-free ketchup evenly on top
- Bake for 50-60 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C)
- Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing
Cauliflower Mash:
- Cut cauliflower into equal-sized florets
- Boil in salted water for 8-10 minutes until fork-tender
- Drain thoroughly in colander and pat dry
- Place in food processor with cream, cream cheese, butter, and Parmesan
- Process until smooth, scraping sides as needed
- Season with salt and pepper to taste
CRUCIAL TIPS
- Don’t overwork the meat mixture – it will make the meatloaf tough
- Ensure cauliflower is very well-drained to avoid watery mash
- Let meatloaf rest before slicing to retain juices
STORAGE & SCALING
Storage:
- Refrigerate for up to 3 days
- Freeze portions for up to 2 months
Scaling:
- Recipe easily halves for smaller households
- Use smaller loaf pan if halving
Common Mistakes:
- Overmixing the meat
- Under-draining cauliflower
- Not checking internal temperature
- Skipping the rest period
Variations:
- Add mushrooms to meatloaf for extra moisture
- Use different herbs in mash (thyme, chives)
- Switch turkey for ground chicken
- Add garlic powder to cauliflower mash